A small cancer can stop the vocal cords from vibrating properly. This can cause a hoarse voice, which is one of the commonest symptoms of cancer of the larynx.

If you are middle aged or older and have had a hoarse voice for longer than three weeks, please ask your GP to check it out.

The other main symptoms of this cancer are:

• a change in voice
• pain or difficulty when you swallow
• a persistent feeling of a lump in the throat or neck
• a lump in the neck.

Other possible, but less likely symptoms are:

• breathlessness
• persistent earache
• coughing up blood (however little, this symptom should always be checked out by your GP).

Remember that these symptoms may be caused by other problems, not by cancer, but it is wise to see your GP if they persist.